People left homeless after thatched cottage fires

The adjoined cottages are on the right, and a fire is spreading across the thatched roofs with grey smoke sitting in the roof. Firefighters are holding hoses and using the water to put the fire out. Image source, Dave Witton
Image caption,

All the residents and pets living in the cottages managed to evacuate safely

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Several people have been left temporarily homeless after a fire ripped through their thatched cottages.

Sixteen crews were sent to Low Street in Bardwell, Suffolk, after it was reported at 16:43 BST on Saturday.

Residents and their pets managed to evacuate safely and were staying in alternative accommodation including the local pub and with relatives.

"It is something Bardwell has never seen before and I hope we do not see it again," said Karen Witton, who is vice chairwoman of Bardwell Parish Council.

"It is very very upsetting to see. There is nothing left, it is just dreadful."

The fire destroyed the roofs and first floors of the terraced cottages.

Ms Witton, who lives near the homes, said she could not "even see outside the house" at the time of the blaze and that "it was a scene of devastation".

Karen Witton is standing in the foreground in the road and a fire engine is behind her out of focus. She has shoulder length blonde hair, and is wearing a blue and pink top, and a navy blue zip up hoodie.Image source, Jenny Kirk/BBC
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Ms Witton said the community in the village had "to be grateful" that everyone was safe

On the left is a row of five adjoined houses that have thatched roofs. The fire has left the cream coloured houses with no roofs, and there is some fire damage to the front of the building. A fire officer is standing on the road outside of the houses.Image source, Jenny Kirk/BBC
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People were advised to avoid the area during and after the fire

People in the area were told to keep their doors and windows closed during the fire.

David Ruffles, chairman of the parish council, said the "close-knit community" was devastated but that: "The neighbourhood really did rally together last night."

David Ruffles is standing on the left looking at the camera. He has short grey hair, and is wearing a red and white stripped shirt, and a grey zip up hoodie. On the road where he is standing there is a fire engine parked in the middle. Image source, Jenny Kirk/BBC
Image caption,

Mr Ruffles said local people rallied together to support each other

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service said a water main in the road burst due to the pressure needed by the crews.

The road remained closed.

Crews used hose reel jets and breathing apparatus during the incident and said the fire was under control by 23:47.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze will take place, the service says.

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